A sixth form group from St Edmund’s Catholic Academy in Wolverhampton are pulling in around £115 every week from the sale of samosas – continually boosting the school’s Lourdes fund.

Sophie, Imogen and Evie were fortunate enough to attend this year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in May, where they supported assisted pilgrims.

To enable the three students, and two teachers, to go to Lourdes the school had to fundraise so flights, accommodation, meals and more could be paid for (a total of £5,346). A couple of bursary funds were also awarded.

The students journey to Lourdes began after an assembly by the school’s Head of RE, Colette Harris. 

“She spoke about working in the Accueil (specially provisioned accommodation for assisted pilgrims), the fundraising we can do and the impact it could have on our lives,” said the girls.

“Mrs Harris also told us how it would be a super curricular to help us stand out from others in our applications to universities. 

“Speaking to previous students in year 13 who went the year before really inspired us to continue the journey to Lourdes and experience the miraculous place, which they spoke so highly of.”

Traditionally, those students going to Lourdes had sold samosas in school, but only to the upper school.

Sophie, Imogen and Evie - together with fellow student Nelly - found a new supplier and opened the ‘Samosa Friday’s’ fundraiser to the whole school, along with special raffles at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

On average the team were making £115 profit a week for 300 samosas. They would adjust the prices if sales were slow which ensured a ‘sell out’ every week.

Even though the girls’ pilgrimage to Lourdes has been and gone, they are continuing to fundraise to give next year’s students a head start, and the opportunity to take part in the Lourdes experience.

“Lourdes had such a beautiful and positive impact, opening our views on religion, to which we may not have thought before. It allowed us to have time for reflection,” they said.

“During Lourdes we had many memorable moments but one of the main moments that stood out to us was sitting on the roof of the Accueil and talking to the Assisted Pilgrims about their lives. 

“This moment hit us the most as it showed us that each individual has their own story but comes together as a community to praise God - enforcing the belief that the church is Catholic. 

“We would recommend Lourdes to everyone. It is a truly eye-opening experience. It gives you valuable skills to use in the future and allows you to serve others and God.” 

Revisit this year's Lourdes Pilgrimage